Blackhall uses Armoloy

Published: %dth %B %Y | Issue 11

Paul Taylor from Blackhall (right) and Martin Belcher, Field Surveyor with The American Bureau of Sh

Valve specialists Blackhall Engineering are now using Armoloy surface coating on their recently developed range of large bore “anti-seize” diverter valves (350mm to 600mm) that are being used on offshore oil platforms. The coating is an integral part of the high performance properties of the new valves, which have a product life requirement of 25 years.

Both the valve plug and internal surfaces of the main body are treated with the Armoloy process which creates a unique thin dense coating which permeates and bonds with the host metal to create a surface that is smooth, hard and extremely resilient. This provided Blackhall with the surface assurance properties that they were looking for in the highly corrosive and abrasive environments in which the valves operate.

“We began trialling Armoloy on small components,” commented Paul Taylor, Engineering Development Manager at Blackhall, “and we quickly found that it was delivering the friction and corrosion resistance we were looking for – it has become the natural choice for us.” The diverter valves have to carry a mixture of oil, sea water, sand and abrasive debris under pressure, and they are normally positioned just under the main rig platform.

Blackhall specialise in bespoke, high-performance valves that have often been designed to operate in a variety of challenging environments. Their diverter valves are based on a unique anti-seize design that was originally developed by the company over 40 years ago and has now been evolved to operate in the oil and gas sector.

At around 3 tonnes each, the valves are much lighter than existing designs that are traditionally used on platforms and the company sees considerable potential for future growth. It is also in discussion with Armoloy about further advanced applications.

Blackhall, Tel: 01484 713 717
Website: www.blackhall.co.uk

Armoloy (UK) Ltd